TAMPA, Fla. - A motorcyclist was arrested over the weekend after authorities say he drove over 140 mph during a high-speed chase on the Gandy Bridge.

According to his affidavit, Joseph Lee Strain, 24, of Tampa, was driving east on the Gandy Bridge in Pinellas County just past 1 a.m. on Sunday when Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers attempted to pull him over.

FHP noted that Strain did not have a registration tag, prompting a state trooper to activate the lights and sirens on their patrol car. Instead of stopping, Strain accelerated to over 140 mph and sped off onto Westshore Boulevard, weaving through turns at high speeds.

The chase involved around eight troopers from Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, along with air support from Hillsborough. Strain eventually stopped in Tampa at Falkenberg Road and U.S. 301.

Strain was arrested and charged with fleeing and eluding law enforcement, operating a motorcycle without an endorsement, and driving without a license. He was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on Monday.

This incident highlights the dangers and legal consequences of engaging in high-speed chases, especially on busy bridges and roads. Authorities urge drivers to comply with traffic stops to avoid putting themselves and others at risk.

The Florida Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on reckless driving to ensure the safety of all road users. This arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic laws and the severe penalties for those who choose to ignore them.

High-speed chases pose significant risks not only to the fleeing driver but also to other motorists, pedestrians, and law enforcement officers involved. In this case, the coordinated effort between multiple law enforcement agencies ensured that the pursuit ended without any injuries.

Community members have expressed concerns about the increasing number of high-speed chases and reckless driving incidents in the area. Local authorities are planning to implement more stringent measures to curb such behavior, including increased patrolling and the use of advanced surveillance technology to monitor traffic violations.

Strain's arrest underscores the need for continued public awareness and cooperation with law enforcement to maintain safety on the roads. Drivers are reminded that no traffic violation or potential penalty is worth risking lives through dangerous, high-speed attempts to evade the law.